Latest news with #Algerian-French
El Chorouk
4 days ago
- Politics
- El Chorouk
French Newspaper Refuses to Publish Article on Algeria by 'Impartial' Historian
Malika Rahal, a French historian and writer of Algerian origin, exposed the lie of freedom of expression in France, revealing a secret she had kept for about three months. However, she was forced to disclose it after realizing that the freedom of the press, so lauded in France, is merely a lie. Malika Rahal revealed that she was commissioned to write an article for the French newspaper 'Libération' at the same time the newspaper intended to prepare a file on Algerian-French relations, which are experiencing one of their worst periods in over six decades. However, this left-leaning newspaper, known for its centrism and criticism of right-wing ideas, withheld publication of the article for reasons that remain unclear. The writer and historian Malika Rahal stated: 'I was commissioned to write an article in mid-March 2025, as part of a file published in 'Libération' on relations between France and Algeria, a file coordinated by researcher Paul Max Morand. After the first version, I was asked to produce a longer version to conclude the series.' She added: 'During discussions with the editorial board, objections were raised, but the explanations provided were deemed satisfactory. Nevertheless, the publication of the article was continuously delayed, without any explanation given to Paul Max Morand, the person in charge of the file, or to me (Malika Rahal). Its publication has now become pointless after more than a month since the last article in the series was published in April 2025.' The writer was forced to publish her article in another platform known for its anti-colonial and anti-colonialist stances, after realizing that the French newspaper was not serious about honoring its commitment to a distinguished historian and writer of Malika Rahal's caliber. This raises more than one question about the remaining credibility of values that France and other Western system countries have long defended, namely freedom of expression and the press. 'Relations in the Time of Retailleau and Gaza' The French newspaper did not clarify the reason for its reluctance to publish the article, which was titled 'Algerian-French Relations in the Time of Retailleau and Gaza.' However, its content indicates that those in charge of 'Libération,' which is considered one of the strongholds of French media not hostile to Algeria and immigrants in general, are no longer as they once were. Instead, it has become like other French newspapers, controlled by considerations that have nothing to do with freedom of expression. Among what was stated in Malika Rahal's article: 'French-Algerian relations have been in crisis since 2024 when France, like the United States, joined in affirming Morocco's (alleged) sovereignty over Western Sahara. One of the elements explaining this recognition is the role played by Morocco in normalizing relations with Israel (the Zionist entity) at the African Union level and at the Arab world level, where Morocco joined the Abraham Accords in 2020. Undoubtedly, other factors in French policy contribute to this recognition, but since that date, the previous model of bilateral relations no longer seems to work, with more violent tensions and unexpected reactions from both sides. On the French side, the intensity of statements and belligerent stances is inconsistent with the recent development of French society, but conversely, their impact on the people of this country can be devastating.' It seems that the newspaper's management could not tolerate some of the 'stings' contained in the article, such as the role played by the French Minister of Interior in undermining the multi-ethnic and multi-religious French society due to his racist statements and stances, as well as the struggle led by Algerians against French occupation, which ended long decades of colonial darkness and became an inspiration for many peoples in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as Malika Rahal wrote. The article also touched upon the nature of French settler colonialism in Algeria, and its transfer of the equivalent of one million Europeans (Pieds-Noirs), which was one-tenth of the Algerian population, and what accompanied it of 'the genocidal ambition to eliminate the indigenous population, which is a constant feature in cases of settler colonialism, as colonizers seek to seize their lands and impose their status in the country,' in addition to the forced displacement and massacres suffered by Algerians at the hands of the French occupation army, which was ultimately defeated with Algeria gaining its independence and ending the illegal situation that gave the European group what it did not deserve at the expense of the legitimate rights of Algerians.
El Chorouk
25-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
Retailleau ruined relations with Algeria, and the French colonization was brutal.
The French Press Agency (AFP) acted suspiciously in the interview it conducted with the French historian, Benjamin Stora, last Wednesday, focusing on a small aspect of the dialogue related to the role of memory in reviving relations between Algeria and France, while ignoring more important points concerning the heinous crimes of French colonialism in Algeria and the role of the far-right, represented by the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, in destroying the bridges of communication between the two countries. The French Press Agency summarized the interview in a brief dispatch that various French media outlets covered last Wednesday, while the full interview was only disseminated through the agency's YouTube channel on Saturday, May 24. The full interview was rich in details of great importance that the dispatch did not mention. It was striking in following the 'video dialogue,' which lasted for 35 minutes, the disappearance of many points that the French historian discussed regarding Algerian-French relations from the past and present, especially concerning the description of the occupation crimes during the initial period of colonization that lasted for eighty years, as well as the crisis instigated by the far-right to destroy the relations between Algeria and Paris. What Benjamin Stora said: 'The French colonization of Algeria cannot be considered a trivial matter, because it was a colonization unlike any other. There was a colonial invasion that lasted for eighty years. It was truly horrific; there were atrocious massacres that the French only discovered recently. Entire villages and cities were destroyed, and this cannot be ignored. There were burnings (the caves), forced relocations of Algerians from their land, and their confinement in camps.' He adds: 'These are painful memories in the history of Algerians that cannot be underestimated. Algeria was part of France, not just a protectorate like Morocco and Indochina. France's borders, until the 1960s, extended south to Mali, Niger, Libya, and Mauritania… The French believed it was impossible to abandon Algeria, which is rich in oil, gas, phosphate, and gold, which led some of the French people to consider Algeria's independence a betrayal.' General Charles de Gaulle was accused of committing this betrayal, and he was the target of assassination attempts several times until his death in 1970. As for the telegram reported by the French Press Agency last Wednesday (France Press), it focused on the role of memory in bridging the gap between the two countries. It quoted Stora: 'We need strong initiatives, especially regarding the issue of French colonization of Algeria in the 19th century. But today, in my opinion, considering the possibility of launching memory initiatives could serve as an alternative to resuming political relations,' which is 'necessary to resolve issues of immigration or visas.' The agency also overlooked an important aspect of the dialogue, which is the role of Algeria in driving rapprochement through memory. Benjamin Stora pointed out that the idea of creating a joint committee of Algerian and French historians originated in Algeria, and it was an initiative that should have been capitalized on. The historian emphasized that the committee cannot write a shared history because each side has its own perspective. The French consider colonialism as bringing civilization to Algeria, while the Algerians view it as the main reason for the killing of millions, the theft of their wealth, and their illiteracy. In the opinion of the French historian, progress on the memory front could have alleviated tensions through initiatives from the French president, which were embodied in Macron's acknowledgment that the French state is responsible for the assassination of Maurice Audin, Ali Boumendjel, and the martyr Arab Ben Mhidi. However, the controversial shift in the French stance on the Sahrawi issue led to the stifling of that initiative, which was proposed after its crystallization during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Algeria in the summer of 2022. He also accused France of making decisions that intensified the crisis, as it 'reduced the number of visas granted to Algerians without announcing it, from 400 to 200 or 250 thousand, and Algerians are aware of this. Requesting a visa from a holder of a diplomatic passport is considered reaching the brink of a break, which I don't think will happen because there are millions of people from both sides and shared ties of land and lineage.' Stora was asked if he would play the role of mediator to resolve the crisis between the two countries, to which he replied: 'The mediator must be accepted by both parties of the crisis. There is no search for a mediator. The crisis has reduced communication channels. I was indeed received by the two presidents in 2020 and 2021, but many things have changed today; we are in 2025.' He hinted that the French Minister of the Interior is responsible for the deterioration of these bilateral relations.
El Chorouk
23-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
Retailleau Behind the Leak of a Secret Report, Paris Mosque Warns
The Grand Mosque of Paris criticised the leaked report on the Muslim Brotherhood and the term 'political Islam' in France. The report was presented to French President Emmanuel Macron during a Defence and Security Council meeting. The mosque noted that the document would increase 'discrimination against Muslims and make them vulnerable to certain political agendas.' This report was revealed at a time when Algerian-French relations are experiencing an unprecedented crisis. It was also placed on the agenda of a meeting chaired by Macron and attended by his sovereign ministers: Prime Minister François Bayrou, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Justice Minister Gérald Moussa Darmanin. The Grand Mosque of Paris, led by Chemseddine Hafiz, issued a statement criticising the French authorities in light of the aforementioned report. It stated: 'The Grand Mosque of Paris recalls that it has always defended a vision of Islam consistent with the letter and spirit of the principles of the Republic. It condemns Islamic extremism, terrorism, and all manifestations of hatred expressed in the name of Islam.' The leading religious institution for Muslims in France stated: 'Since its founding in 1926, the Grand Mosque of Paris has worked to spread Islam rooted in the values of peace, fraternity, and solidarity, which blend harmoniously with republican principles and the diversity of our society. It symbolises the contribution Muslims have made to the history of France and supports their full citizenship. However, it also 'refuses to allow the legitimate fight against Islamism to become a pretext for stigmatising Muslims and serving particular political agendas.' The statement emphasises that 'the Grand Mosque of Paris wants to represent the voice of the majority of French Muslims who intend to live their faith in a dignified and peaceful manner. However, they are fabricating a problem targeting the Muslim community, accompanied by a malicious development of a growing discriminatory discourse against them.' The leaks related to the Muslim Brotherhood and political Islam in France sparked widespread condemnation among members of the Muslim community, who viewed them as a side effect of the campaign led by the right and the far right, led by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. This was evident in the minister's handling of the heinous crime that claimed the life of the young Malian, Aboubakar Cissé, and earlier in his refusal to accept an iftar meal invitation from the dean of the Grand Mosque of Paris. Observers linked Bruno Retailleau's victory as leader of the right-wing Republicans (LR) party to the leaks concerning the religious affairs sector under his tutelage. These leaks serve only the ambitions of the French Interior Minister, who is preparing to submit his candidacy for the presidential elections in two years. This is especially true given that he is now certain that his repeated hostile statements targeting Algeria played a significant role in his victory over his rival, Laurent Wauquiez. Since he was appointed Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau has formulated an anti-immigrant policy, a strategy he has used to attack Algeria by targeting its Muslim community. He is the one who invented what he called a 'gradual response,' which reached its peak last Thursday, when French government spokesperson Sophie Primas announced more than a week ago that the next step in the escalation against Algeria would target its community. It is possible that Macron's meeting with his ministers last Wednesday addressed the targeting of the Algerian community, according to the French government spokesperson. In the absence of any details about what transpired at this meeting, observers believe that Bruno Retailleau leaked the report targeting the Muslim community, marking the beginning of his use of this card in his political agenda. According to what the National People's Assembly member, Saad Laanani, representing the Algerians in the southern region of France, confirmed in a previous statement to 'Echorouk', that any decision targeting immigrants primarily targets the Algerian community, which is considered the largest in France. Therefore, the leaked report, although it targets what it calls the 'Muslim Brotherhood', in reality, aims to strike at the Algerian community, as confirmed by the French government spokesperson, Sophie Primas, on May 15th.
El Chorouk
20-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
Paris Foreign Minister Renews Appeal to Algeria in Sansal Case
While the French side insists, each time, that the French judiciary is sovereign and the executive authority has no influence over it, officials in Paris find no embarrassment in violating this principle, which is customary in democratic countries, by attempting to interfere in the affairs of the Algerian judiciary when it comes to France's interests. The latest chapter in this equation is what was issued by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, on Tuesday, April 20, 2025, where he did not hesitate to delve again into the case of the Franco-Algerian writer, Boualem Sansal, which is considered among the issues that have exacerbated relations between the two countries. In an interview with Radio France Internationale 'France Inter', the head of French diplomacy expressed hope that the Algerian authorities would take a 'humanitarian gesture' in favor of the Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal. It was notable in his speech that he spoke of 'the Algerian authorities', which is usually understood as a reference to the political decision-makers in the country. The French official's statement came on the occasion of the start of the first sessions of the trial of the Franco-Algerian writer, who is accused of undermining the territorial integrity of the country, at the level of the Algiers Judicial Council, which decided to postpone the trial until June 24, with the verdict to be announced on July 1, 2025. Jean-Noël Barrot said: 'I am very concerned about his health. He is an elderly and frail man,' and he went on to comment: 'For this reason, I hope that he will be tried as soon as possible, and if possible in the next few days, so that after this ruling, a humanitarian gesture can be made towards him, a gesture that we have called on the Algerian authorities to make.' This is not the first time that such statements have been issued by French officials, from the highest official, represented by the master of the Elysée Palace, Emmanuel Macron, to his Prime Minister, François Bayrou, and his Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, and officials and deputies in both houses of parliament. However, the Algerian side has not responded to these demands, but rather considered them a blatant interference in the judicial affairs of a sovereign state. The Algerian judiciary had sentenced Boualem Sansal, who has been imprisoned since mid-November, to five years in prison on March 27, following statements Sansal made to the far-right channel 'Frontières'. These statements were interpreted by the Algerian judiciary as causing serious harm to the territorial integrity of the country, in addition to being contrary to historical truth and the reality on the ground. They were also severely criticized by the French historian, Benjamin Stora, who refuted them with irrefutable and undeniable evidence. The French minister's statements came in the context of an unjustified French escalation regarding this issue. On May 6, the French National Assembly (the lower house of parliament) adopted a parliamentary resolution calling for the 'immediate release' of the Franco-Algerian writer. The deputies also urged, through that resolution, the European Union to pressure Algeria to release Boualem Sansal, and also urged Brussels to condition any cooperation with Algeria on the release of the convicted writer. According to observers, the French foreign minister's statement will have no effect on the case of the Franco-Algerian writer, as long as Paris continues its provocations against Algeria, by targeting its consular interests (kidnapping and imprisoning consular officials outside diplomatic norms and the provisions of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations), in addition to violating bilateral agreements in the diplomatic field, not to mention the continuous harassment of the Algerian community.
El Chorouk
19-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
Algeria Will Respond Strictly To French Excesses Regarding Visas
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs has stated that Algeria is following with great surprise the recent developments regarding the management of French communication on the issue of visas in general, and the exemption of diplomatic passports and service passports from this measure in particular, confirming that it will respond by strictly applying the principle of reciprocity in proportion to the French side's breach of its commitments and pledges. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday that the Algerian government has noted that the French communication management on this matter now appears to be 'strange and suspicious behavior consisting of crude leaks to media outlets skillfully selected by the French Ministry of Interior and the French Directorate General of Police.' Through this unusual channel, French decisions are now being announced, in complete disregard of established diplomatic practices and in flagrant violation of the provisions of the 2013 Algerian-French agreement regulating visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic passports and service passports. In fact, to this day, in flagrant violation of the provisions of Article 8 of this agreement, Algeria has not received any official French notification through the only channel used in relations between states, which in this case is the diplomatic channel. The Chargé d'Affaires at the French Embassy in Algeria, who was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs four times on this matter, confirmed that he had not received any instructions from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that he has not been able to respond to official Algerian requests for clarification on this matter to this day. The Algerian government officially reminds in this regard that the French side bears full and complete responsibility for the initial violations of the 2013 agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and service passports, and these violations, immediately upon their occurrence, were the subject of an official statement from the Algerian authorities which denounced them and held the French side responsible in this regard. Consequently, the Algerian government categorically rejects these fallacies and considers the French claim that Algeria was the first to breach its obligations under the 2013 agreement to be contrary to the truth. In addition to these necessary clarifications, the Algerian government takes this opportunity to remind that regarding the exemption of holders of diplomatic passports and service passports from visas, Algeria was never the one who requested it. When visas were imposed in 1986 on citizens of both countries, it was France that initiated the proposal to exempt holders of diplomatic passports from this measure, but Algeria at that time clearly and explicitly rejected this proposal. Later, during the 1990s, France renewed this proposal three times and it was always met with the same rejection from the Algerian side. Algeria only accepted this in 2007 when the French authorities returned to raising the same issue, and Algeria finally agreed to conclude a bilateral agreement exempting holders of diplomatic passports from visas. Always at the French initiative, a new agreement was concluded in 2013 that expanded the scope of the exemption to include holders of service passports, thus canceling the limited agreement of 2007. In general, it is clear in reality that the French government is inclined towards freezing or suspending the 2013 agreement without taking responsibility or consequences for that, in complete disregard of the provisions of the applicable agreement. Today, as yesterday, Algeria has no special interest or notable attachment to this agreement, and it clearly notes what resembles an actual suspension of the agreement by France without respecting the necessary legal procedures. It will draw all the consequences from that and take the necessary measures, and will respond by strictly applying the principle of reciprocity in proportion to the French side's breach of its commitments and pledges.
